Center for Grid Integration and Storage Technologies

Copyright: Martin Braun

The “Center for Grid Integration and Storage Technologies” represents a real distribution grid in a laboratory environment, which provides the potential to test new components and modes of operation under different conditions. A medium voltage grid with different “intelligent” substations, a switchable low voltage grid, an extensive communication infrastructure with its own control system and various different loads and energy sources offer the analysis of different grid topologies as well as load- and supply-profiles.

The low voltage grid with a total length of about 4.5 km cables with different cross sections allows the reproduction of typical as well as special distribution grids. In addition to the normal operation, specific components can also be used to analyze the effect of disturbances in network operation on the reliability of future distribution networks. Faults caused by short circuits or voltage deviations can be generated during normal operation.

One of the essential components of the lab is a 90 kVA mains simulation system which generates user-defined voltage characteristics. The mains simulation system offers test and measurement of innovative products such as Voltage-regulated Distribution Transformer, charging infrastructure or system testing during fault conditions.

To simulate different types of power plants, photovoltaic inverters with nominal power between 2.5 and 36 kVA, a synchronous generator and an inverter for battery storage systems are available. Also operation as an island network is possible.

Copyright: Martin Braun

The existing control system offers different communication channels such as PLC, Ethernet or mobile radio to integrate components as a smart grid. These communication channels offer a variety in technologies and manufacturer. Besides state-of-the-art technologies, future technologies can be integrated. In addition to the hardware components, different software solutions are implemented to protect against cyber-attacks. Therefore digitalization and its influence on reliability, operation and security of critical infrastructures can be tested in practice.